Some tank guns have horizontally (like this Centurion) opening breech blocks, others have vertically opening breech blocks (like Leopard 2). Is one better than the other? What are the advantages of horizontal vs vertical breech blocks?
Well, the British 105 mm L7 tank gun were used by many Western tank manufactors, and the vertical breech block works perfect, and it's easy to load and reload the gun. I'm not a Leopard 2 expert, but I will guess the loading is made easier with the horizontal breech block, as the gun elevates into the loading position.
No, the Centurion tank ended its career in the Danish Army in 1994 when it was replaced by the Leopard 1 tank. The remaining Centurions are museum tanks, but still in operational condition.
Some tank guns have horizontally (like this Centurion) opening breech blocks, others have vertically opening breech blocks (like Leopard 2). Is one better than the other? What are the advantages of horizontal vs vertical breech blocks?
Well, the British 105 mm L7 tank gun were used by many Western tank manufactors, and the vertical breech block works perfect, and it's easy to load and reload the gun. I'm not a Leopard 2 expert, but I will guess the loading is made easier with the horizontal breech block, as the gun elevates into the loading position.
@@PrimusPilus2 Thanks!
Do they still use the centurion?
No, the Centurion tank ended its career in the Danish Army in 1994 when it was replaced by the Leopard 1 tank. The remaining Centurions are museum tanks, but still in operational condition.
very cool@@PrimusPilus2